AIZAWL: The Mizoram government has moved forward with plans to transfer control of Lengpui Airport to the Indian Air Force (IAF), a decision made in an October 2024 cabinet meeting, though several organizations, including major civil societies in Mizoram, oppose handing over the airport.
The Working Committee on Lengpui Airport, led by Chairman TBC Lalvenchhunga, is currently preparing a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the IAF. Under the proposal, the IAF would be responsible for maintaining the airport’s runway and air traffic control, while other management aspects would remain with the state government. Detailed negotiations are expected to conclude in three months.
A leader of the central committee of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) said on Monday that the NGO coordination committee had discussed the issue with Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
"We expressed our strong opposition to giving our only airport to the IAF, as the air force's main concern and priority will be defense and security while the interests of the civilian passengers will be at the bottom of their priorities," he said.
Major opposition parties such as the Mizo National Front (MNF) and the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) also opposed the proposal of the state government. Lal Thanzara, President of the Mizoram Pradesh Congress Committee, voiced strong objections on January 17, pointing out the state’s financial struggles.
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